U.S. patent number 9,420,169 [Application Number 14/607,669] was granted by the patent office on 2016-08-16 for imaging device, imaging method, and program.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is OLYMPUS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Osamu Nonaka, Tomomi Uemura, Yuiko Uemura, Mai Yamaguchi, Sachie Yamamoto.
United States Patent |
9,420,169 |
Uemura , et al. |
August 16, 2016 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Imaging device, imaging method, and program
Abstract
An imaging device includes: an imaging unit imaging an object
and generating image data of the object; a display unit displaying
an image corresponding to the image data; a display controller
controlling the display unit to display an expression guide image
in which at least a part of expression of a face in the object has
been changed; an expression determination unit determining
similarity between the expressions in the image and in the
expression guide image; an imaging controller controlling the
imaging unit to continuously image the object until the expression
determination unit determines that the expressions in the image and
in the expression guide image are matched, wherein the display
controller controls the display unit to display another expression
guide image at a time the expression determination unit determines
that the expressions in the image in the expression guide image are
matched.
Inventors: |
Uemura; Tomomi (Jakarta,
ID), Yamaguchi; Mai (Hachioji, JP), Uemura;
Yuiko (Hachioji, JP), Yamamoto; Sachie (Hino,
JP), Nonaka; Osamu (Sagamihara, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OLYMPUS CORPORATION |
Hachioji-shi, Tokyo |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
53003764 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/607,669 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2015 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20150207985 A1 |
Jul 23, 2015 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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PCT/JP2014/065904 |
Jun 16, 2004 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Oct 30, 2013 [JP] |
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2013-225658 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B
15/00 (20130101); G03B 17/18 (20130101); G06K
9/00302 (20130101); H04N 5/23218 (20180801); G06K
9/00315 (20130101); G06K 9/00597 (20130101); G03B
17/04 (20130101); H04N 5/232935 (20180801); H04N
5/232939 (20180801); H04N 5/265 (20130101); H04N
5/23219 (20130101); G03B 17/02 (20130101); G06K
9/00221 (20130101); H04N 5/2621 (20130101); H04N
5/225251 (20180801) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
5/232 (20060101); G03B 17/02 (20060101); G03B
15/00 (20060101); G03B 7/00 (20140101); H04N
5/265 (20060101); G03B 17/18 (20060101); G06K
9/00 (20060101); H04N 5/262 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;348/207.11,208.6,208.14,211.2,218.1,239,333.03,333.04 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2003-037826 |
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Feb 2003 |
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JP |
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2005-156942 |
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Jun 2005 |
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JP |
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2006-074368 |
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Mar 2006 |
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JP |
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2010-109567 |
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May 2010 |
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JP |
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2013-175802 |
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Sep 2013 |
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JP |
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2013-182616 |
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Sep 2013 |
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JP |
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Other References
Decision of a Patent Grant mailed on Jan. 5, 2016 in corresponding
Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-028630, consisting of 3 pp.
(English Translation Provided). cited by applicant .
Decision of a Patent Grant issued in corresponding Japanese Patent
Application No. 2014-556870 on Jan. 20, 2015, consisting of 4 pp.
(English Translation Provided). cited by applicant .
International Search Report mailed in corresponding International
Patent Application No. PCT/JP2014/065904 on Sep. 9, 2014,
consisting of 7 pp. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Lam; Hung
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Volpe and Koenig, P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of PCT international application
Ser. No. PCT/JP2014/065904 filed on Jun. 16, 2014 which designates
the United States, incorporated herein by reference, and which
claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Applications
No. 2013-225658, filed on Oct. 30, 2013, incorporated herein by
reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An imaging device comprising: an imaging unit configured to
image an object and generate image data of the object; a display
unit configured to display an image corresponding to the image data
generated by the imaging unit; a display controller configured to
control the display unit to display an expression guide image in
which at least a part of expression of a face in the object has
been changed; an expression determination unit configured to
determine similarity between the expression of the face in the
object in the image corresponding to the image data generated by
the imaging unit and the expression of the face in the object in
the expression guide image displayed by the display unit; an
imaging controller configured to control the imaging unit to
continuously image the object until the expression determination
unit determines that the expression of the face in the object in
the image and the expression of the face in the object in the
expression guide image are matched, wherein the display controller
is configured to control the display unit to display another
expression guide image at a time the expression determination unit
determines that the expression of the face in the object in the
image and the expression of the face in the object in the
expression guide image are matched.
2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging
controller is configured to change a frame rate of the imaging unit
or change a data size of the image data at a time the expression
determination unit determines that the expression of the face in
the object in the image and the expression of the face in the
object in the expression guide image are not matched.
3. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a
recording unit configured to record the image data generated by the
imaging unit and a sample image obtained such that a model of a
predetermined posture and/or expression is captured in advance as a
sample, and wherein the expression determination unit is configured
to determine whether or not the expression of the face in the
object in the image and the expression in the sample image are
matched, and the imaging controller is configured to record the
image data generated by the imaging unit in the recording unit at a
time the expression determination unit determines that the
expression of the face in the object in the image and the
expression in the sample image are matched.
4. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the expression
guide image is an image in which a direction of lines of sight of
the face in the object has been changed.
5. The imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
face detection unit configured to detect the face in the object in
the image; a pupil detection unit configured to detect a sclera
area and a pupil area of the face detected by the face detection
unit; and a pupil-changed image generation unit configured to
generate pupil-changed image data in which a position of the pupil
area in the sclera area has been changed in accordance with a
detection result detected by the pupil detection unit, and wherein
the display controller is configured to control the display unit to
display, as the expression guide image, a pupil-changed image
corresponding to the pupil-changed image data generated by the
pupil-changed image generation unit.
6. The imaging device according to claim 5, further comprising a
part position-changed image generation unit configured to generate
part-changed image data in which each part that configures the face
detected by the face detection unit has been moved into an
arranging direction of the pupil area in the sclera area changed by
the pupil-changed image generation unit, and wherein the display
controller is configured to control the display unit to display, as
the expression guide image, a part position-changed image
corresponding to the part position-changed image data generated by
the part position-changed image generation unit.
7. The imaging device according to claim 5, further comprising a
part position-changed image generation unit configured to generate
part-changed image data in which a size of each part that
configures the face detected by the face detection unit has been
increased or reduced in accordance with a distance between the
imaging device and the object, and wherein the display controller
is configured to control the display unit to display, as the
expression guide image, a part position-changed image corresponding
to the part position-changed image data generated by the part
position-changed image generation unit.
8. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the display
unit is rotatably provided to a main body of the imaging device
from a back surface side of the imaging device to a front surface
side of the imaging device and includes a display area in which the
image corresponding to the image data is displayed, and the display
controller is configured to control the display unit to display the
expression guide image at a time the display unit has rotated to
the front surface side and the display area faces the front surface
side.
9. An imaging method for an imaging device including an imaging
unit configured to image an object and generate image data of the
object, and a display unit configured to display an image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit, the
imaging method comprising: displaying step of causing the display
unit to display an expression guide image in which at least a part
of expression of a face in the object has been changed; expression
determination step of determining similarity between the expression
of the face in the object in the image corresponding to the image
data generated by the imaging unit and the expression of the face
in the object in the expression guide image displayed by the
display unit; imaging control step of controlling the imaging unit
to continuously image the object until the expression determination
step determines that the expression of the face in the object in
the image and the expression of the face in the object in the
expression guide image are matched; and second imaging step of
causing the display unit to display another expression guide image
at a time the expression determination step determines that the
expression of the face in the object in the image and the
expression of the face in the object in the expression guide image
are matched.
10. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium with an
executable program stored thereon, wherein the program instructs a
processor of an imaging device including an imaging unit configured
to image an object and generate image data of the object, and a
display unit configured to display an image corresponding to the
image data generated by the imaging unit, to perform: displaying
step of causing the display unit to display an expression guide
image in which at least a part of expression of a face in the
object has been changed; expression determination step of
determining similarity between the expression of the face in the
object in the image corresponding to the image data generated by
the imaging unit and the expression of the face in the object in
the expression guide image displayed by the display unit; imaging
control step of controlling the imaging unit to continuously image
the object until the expression determination step determines that
the expression of the face in the object in the image and the
expression of the face in the object in the expression guide image
are matched; and second imaging step of causing the display unit to
display another expression guide image at a time the expression
determination step determines that the expression of the face in
the object in the image and the expression of the face in the
object in the expression guide image are matched.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imaging device, an imaging
method, and a program for displaying an image corresponding to
image data or capturing advice related to capturing an image.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, in imaging devices such as digital cameras, a
technology is known, which is capable of revolving a display screen
of a display monitor that displays an image, around a main body
that generates image data from a photographer side to an object
side (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-175802).
This technology enables a photographer to perform
self-photographing to capture himself/herself as an object by
revolving the display monitor from the photographer side to the
object side.
However, in the technology described in Japanese Patent Application
Laid-open No. 2013-175802, the object gets conscious about the
image device, and creates a pose and an expression when being
captured, and thus monotonous images tend to be captured.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An imaging device according to one aspect of the present invention
includes: an imaging unit configured to image an object and
generate image data of the object; a display unit configured to
display an image corresponding to the image data generated by the
imaging unit; a display controller configured to control the
display unit to display an expression guide image in which at least
a part of expression of a face in the object has been changed; an
expression determination unit configured to determine similarity
between the expression of the face in the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit and
the expression of the face in the object in the expression guide
image displayed by the display unit; an imaging controller
configured to control the imaging unit to continuously image the
object until the expression determination unit determines that the
expression of the face in the object in the image and the
expression of the face in the object in the expression guide image
are matched, wherein the display controller is configured to
control the display unit to display another expression guide image
at a time the expression determination unit determines that the
expression of the face in the object in the image and the
expression of the face in the object in the expression guide image
are matched.
The above and other features, advantages and technical and
industrial significance of this invention will be better understood
by reading the following detailed description of presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a side
of an imaging device, the side facing a photographer, according to
a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a side
of the imaging device, the side facing an object, according to the
first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of the imaging device according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing
executed by the imaging device according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a state where the imaging device
according to the first embodiment of the present invention is set
to a self-photographing shooting mode;
FIG. 6 is a series of diagrams schematically illustrating an
outline of a method of generating an expression guide image of an
object generated by a pupil-changed image generation unit of the
imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed
in a display unit of the imaging device according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of an imaging device according to a second embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing
executed by the imaging device according to the second embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a series of diagrams schematically describing an outline
of a method of generating an expression guide image generated by a
part position-changed image generation unit of the imaging device
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of face part
changed-image generation processing of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a series of diagrams describing the method of generating
an expression guide image generated by the part position-changed
image generation unit of the imaging device according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a series of diagrams schematically describing an outline
of a method of moving parts of a face of an object by the part
position-changed image generation unit of the imaging device
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a series of diagrams schematically describing an outline
of a method of moving a nose of the object by the
part-position-changed image generation unit of the imaging device
according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed in
a display unit of the imaging device according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a series of transition diagrams of another image
displayed in the display unit of the imaging device according to
the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of an imaging device according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing
executed by the imaging device according to a third embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a series of diagrams schematically describing a method
of generating an image generated by a part position-changed image
generation unit of the imaging device according to the third
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a series of diagrams illustrating an example of images
displayed in a display unit of the imaging device according to the
third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of criteria
determination processing of FIG. 18;
FIG. 22 is a series of diagrams schematically illustrating an
outline of a method of determining a mouth of an object determined
by an expression determination unit of the imaging device according
to the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bromide image as
an expression guide image;
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of a display system according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing
executed by an imaging device according to the fourth embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a state of when an image
generation device is requested simulation in the imaging device
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed in
a display unit of the imaging device according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing
executed by the image generation device according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship
between the imaging device and an object in a self-photographing
shooting mode of the imaging device according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship
between an angle of view of the imaging device and the object in a
state illustrated in FIG. 29; and
FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image
corresponding to image data generated by the imaging device in the
state illustrated in FIG. 29.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention
(hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described with
reference to the drawings. Further, hereinafter, an example of an
imaging device that mounts a display device will be described. Note
that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments below.
Further, description will be given, denoting the same parts with
the same reference signs in the drawings.
First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a side
(back surface side) of an imaging device, the side facing a
photographer, according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view illustrating a side (front surface side) of the
imaging device, the side facing an object, according to the present
invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional
configuration of the imaging device according to the present
invention. Note that, in FIGS. 1 and 2, description will be given
where a width direction of an imaging device 1 is an X axis, a
height direction of the imaging device 1 is a Y axis, and a
direction of an optical axis L.sub.1 of the imaging device 1 is a Z
axis.
The imaging device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 includes a main
body 2 that captures an object and generates image data of the
object, and a display mechanism 3 rotatably provided to the main
body 2 from the photographer side (back surface side) to the object
side (front surface side), and capable of displaying an image
corresponding to the image data generated by the main body 2.
First, a configuration of the main body 2 will be described. The
main body 2 includes an imaging unit 10, an input unit 11, a
recording unit 12, a recording medium 13, a revolving determination
unit 14, and a control unit 15.
The imaging unit 10 continuously images a predetermined visual
field area at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 30 fps)
under control of the control unit 15, and generates a plurality of
temporally continuous image data. The imaging unit 10 is configured
from a plurality of lenses, an optical system that focuses an
object image, a diaphragm that adjusts a quantity of light of the
optical system, an imaging element such as a charge coupled device
(CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) that
receives the object image focused by the optical system and
performs photoelectric conversion to generate image data, a shutter
that sets a state of the imaging element to an exposure state or a
shading state, a signal processing unit that applies predetermined
analog processing to the image data generated by the imaging
element, an A/D converter that applies A/D conversion to analog
image data input from the signal processing unit to generate
digital image data, and outputs the digital image data to the
control unit 15, and a timing generator that generates imaging
timing of the imaging element.
The input unit 11 receives an input of an instruction signal that
instructs various operations related to the imaging device 1. The
input unit 11 is configured from a power supply switch that
switches a power supply state of the imaging device 1 to an ON
state or an OFF state, a release switch that receives an input of a
release signal that instructs capturing an image to the imaging
device 1, and the like.
The recording unit 12 records image data input through the control
unit 15, information in processing by the imaging device 1, various
programs for operating the imaging device 1, a program according to
the first embodiment, various data used during execution of the
program, and the like. The recording unit 12 is configured from a
synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a flash memory,
and the like.
The recording medium 13 records image data input through the
control unit 15. The recording medium 13 is configured from a
memory card mounted from an outside of the main body 2, and the
like, and is detachably attached to the main body 2 through a
memory I/F (not illustrated). Image data and moving image data, to
which processing has been applied by the control unit 15 described
below, are written in the recording medium 13. Further, the image
data or the moving image data recorded by the control unit 15 is
read from the recording medium 13.
The revolving determination unit 14 determines a revolving state of
the display mechanism 3, and outputs a determination result to the
control unit 15. To be specific, the revolving determination unit
14 determines whether a display area of a display unit 31 of the
display mechanism 3 is rotated to the front surface side with
respect to the main body 2, and the display area of the display
unit 31 faces the front surface side (object side), and outputs a
determination result to the control unit 15.
The control unit 15 transfers instructions and data corresponding
to respective units that configure the imaging device 1 to
comprehensively control an operation of the imaging device 1. The
control unit 15 is configured from a central processing unit (CPU),
and the like.
Here, a detailed configuration of the control unit 15 will be
described. The control unit 15 includes a face detection unit 151,
a pupil detection unit 152, a pupil-changed image generation unit
153, an expression determination unit 154, an imaging controller
155, and a display controller 156.
The face detection unit 151 detects a face of an object in an image
corresponding to image data generated by the imaging unit 10. To be
specific, the face detection unit 151 detects a face of a person
included in an image corresponding to image data generated by the
imaging unit 10 with pattern matching. For example, the face
detection unit 151 detects a position of the face in the image
using pattern matching, and then detects positions of
characteristic points of the face such as eyes, a nose, and a
mouth, thereby to detect a position of the face, a size (an area)
of the face, a direction of the face, an angle (an inclination) of
the face, and an expression (a smiling face, or the like) of the
face. Note that the face detection unit 151 may detect not only a
face of a person, but also a face of an animal such as a dog or a
cat. Further, the face detection unit 151 may detect a face of a
person using a known technology, other than the pattern
matching.
The pupil detection unit 152 detects pupils of the face in the
object detected by the face detection unit 151. To be specific, the
pupil detection unit 152 detects the pupils (a pupil area) by
applying predetermined processing such as grayscale processing to
the eyes (an eye area) of the face in the object detected by the
face detection unit 151, and then performing binarization
processing.
The pupil-changed image generation unit 153 generates pupil-changed
image data in which a position of the pupil area in a sclera area
(an area of white of the eyes) of the object has been changed,
based on a detection result detected by the pupil detection unit
152. To be specific, the pupil-changed image generation unit 153
applies trimming processing to the pupil area detected by the pupil
detection unit 152 to generate a pupil image, and superimposes the
pupil image on a predetermined area of the sclera area, for
example, on a right end portion, and applies interpolating
processing of interpolating pixels of white or a surrounding sclera
area into the pupil area to which the trimming processing has been
applied, thereby to generate the pupil-changed image data in which
a line of sight of the object has been changed. For example, in a
case where positions of pupils of an object detected by the pupil
detection unit 152 are in the front (center), the pupil-changed
image generation unit 153 moves the pupils to the right and left to
generate two pupil-changed image data having lines of sight
different from each other. Note that the pupil-changed image
generation unit 153 may generate the pupil-changed image data in
which the lines of sight of the object have been changed, based on
outlines of respective parts of the face detected by the face
detection unit 151 and the pupils detected by the pupil detection
unit 152, using morphing processing of a known technology.
The expression determination unit 154 determines similarity between
an expression of the object in an image corresponding to the image
data generated by the imaging unit 10 and an expression of the face
in the object in an expression guide image displayed in the display
unit 31 described below. To be specific, the expression
determination unit 154 determines whether the degree of similarity
between the expression of the object in the image corresponding to
the image data generated by the imaging unit 10 and the expression
of the face in the object in the expression guide image displayed
in the display unit 31 described below falls within a predetermined
range. To be specific, the expression determination unit 154
determines whether characteristic points of respective parts of the
object in the expression guide image, for example, the eyes, the
nose, the mouth, the direction of the face, the position of the
face, the size of the face, the angle of the face, and the like,
and characteristic points of the respective parts of the object in
the image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging
unit 10 are approximately matched. Note that the expression
determination unit 154 may determine only whether the positions of
the pupils in the sclera area of the object are matched. Further,
the expression determination unit 154 may determine whether the
expression of the object in the image corresponding to the image
data generated by the imaging unit 10 and the expression of the
face in the object in the expression guide image displayed in the
display unit 31 described below are matched.
When a release signal has been input from the input unit 11, the
imaging controller 155 performs control of starting a capturing
operation in the imaging device 1. Here, the capturing operation in
the imaging device 1 is to record the image data generated by the
imaging unit 10 in the recording medium 13. Further, when an
instruction signal that instructs capturing a moving image has been
input from the input unit 11, the imaging controller 155 creates a
moving image file in the recording medium 13, and sequentially
records (stores), in the moving image file, image data sequentially
generated by the imaging unit 10. Further, the imaging controller
155 controls imaging of the imaging unit 10 based on a
determination result of the expression determination unit 154. To
be specific, the imaging controller 155 causes the imaging unit 10
to continuously image the object until the expression determination
unit 154 determines the expression of the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 10
and the expression of the object in the expression guide image
described below are matched.
The display controller 156 displays the image corresponding to the
image data in the display unit 31 of the display mechanism 3
described below. When capturing the object, the display controller
156 displays, in the display unit 31, an expression guide image in
which at least a part of the expression of the face in the object
has been changed, as capturing advice. Here, the expression guide
image is an object image obtained such that the line of sight
looking at the front is changed into a line of sight looking at a
direction other than the front. To be specific, the display
controller 156 displays, in the display unit 31 of the display
mechanism 3 described below, an image corresponding to the image
data in which the positions of the pupils of the object generated
by the pupil-changed image generation unit 153 have been changed.
Further, when the expression determination unit 154 has determined
that the expression of the object in the image corresponding to the
image data generated by the imaging unit 10 and the expression of
the object in the expression guide image described below are
approximately matched, the display controller 156 displays a
different expression guide image in the display unit 31. If an own
face image is processed and displayed, a probability of matching is
increased. However, an avatar may be displayed.
Next, a configuration of the display mechanism 3 will be described.
The display mechanism 3 includes the display unit 31, a movable
unit 32, and a revolving support unit 33.
The display unit 31 displays an image corresponding to the image
data input through the control unit 15 under control of the control
unit 15. Here, the display of an image includes a rec-view display
that displays image data immediately after captured for a
predetermined time (for example, three seconds), a playback display
that plays back the image data recorded in the recording medium 13,
a live view display that sequentially displays live view images
corresponding to the image data continuously generated by the
imaging unit 10 in time series, and the like. The display unit 31
is configured from a display panel made of liquid crystal or
organic EL, a drive driver, and the like. Further, the display unit
31 appropriately displays operation information of the imaging
device 1 and information related to capturing an image. Further,
the display unit 31 is rotatably provided to the main body 2 of the
imaging device 1 from the back surface side of the imaging device 1
to the front surface side of the imaging device 1 (see FIG.
1.fwdarw.FIG. 2).
The movable unit 32 includes the display unit 31, and is rotatably
provided to the main body 2 around one end of the main body 2
through the revolving support unit 33 such as a hinge. To be
specific, the movable unit 32 is rotatably provided from the back
surface side to the front surface side of the main body 2 around an
axis R.sub.1 of the revolving support unit 33 (see FIG. 2).
Processing executed by the imaging device 1 having the above
configuration will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart describing
an outline of the processing executed by the imaging device 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, first, the control unit 15 determines
whether the imaging device 1 is set to the self-photographing
shooting mode (step S101). To be specific, the control unit 15
determines whether the display area of the display unit 31 is
directed to the front surface side (the visual field area side of
the imaging unit 10) of the imaging device 1 with respect to the
main body 2 based on the determination result input from the
revolving determination unit 14. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 5, when the display area of the display unit 31 is directed to
the front surface side of the imaging device 1 by an object O.sub.1
(photographer), the control unit 15 determines that the imaging
device 1 is set to the self-photographing shooting mode. When the
control unit 15 has determined that the imaging device 1 is set to
the self-photographing shooting mode (Yes in step S101), the
imaging device 1 is moved onto step S102. In contrast, when the
control unit 15 has determined that the imaging device 1 is not set
to a shooting mode (No in step S101), the imaging device 1 is moved
onto step S118 described below.
In step S102, the imaging controller 155 causes the imaging unit 10
to execute imaging. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the
imaging controller 155 causes the imaging unit 10 to image the
object O.sub.1.
Next, the display controller 156 displays, in the display unit 31,
a live view image corresponding to the image data generated by the
imaging unit 10 (step S103). In this case, the display controller
156 inverts the live view image corresponding to the image data
generated by the imaging unit 10 with respect to the main body 2,
and displays the inverted live view image in the display unit
(mirror-inverted display). Note that the display controller 156 may
invert the right and left of the live view image after inverting
the live view image with respect to the main body 2, and displays
the inverted live view image in the display unit 31. Of course, the
display controller 156 may display the live view image as it is in
the display unit 31 without inverting the live view image.
Following that, when a miracle one shot mode in which an image
beyond imagination of the object himself/herself can be obtained
while the capturing advice related to an expression, a posture, or
a composition is displayed is set to the imaging device 1 when the
self-photographing capturing is performed with respect to the
object O.sub.1 (Yes in step S104), the face detection unit 151
detects the face of the object in the image corresponding to the
image data generated by the imaging unit 10 (step S105).
Then, when the pupil detection unit 152 has detected a pair of
pupils with respect to the face detected by the face detection unit
151 (Yes in step S106), the pupil-changed image generation unit 153
executes white processing of superimposing or filling white (or may
be a color close to the detected white of the eyes (the sclera
area), hereinafter, simplified as white and description will be
given) in the pupil area (an area including pupils, irises, and
corneas) of the face of the object detected by the pupil detection
unit 152 and the sclera area (an area of white of the eyes) (step
S107), and combines a pupil image with the sclera area for each
predetermined area to generate the expression guide image in which
the line of sight of the object has been changed (step S108).
FIG. 6 is a series of diagrams schematically illustrating an
outline of a method of generating the expression guide image of the
object generated by the pupil-changed image generation unit
153.
As illustrated in FIG. 6(a) to (d), first, the pupil-changed image
generation unit 153 executes the white processing of filling white
in pupil areas (E.sub.L, E.sub.R) in a pair of eye areas A.sub.L
and A.sub.R of the face of the object O.sub.1 detected by the pupil
detection unit 152 (FIG. 6(a).fwdarw.FIG. 6(b)). Following that,
the pupil-changed image generation unit 153 generates an expression
guide image O.sub.2 and an expression guide image O.sub.3 of the
object O.sub.1 in which pupil images K.sub.1 are combined with
predetermined areas, such as right and left end portions (inner
corners of the eyes and outer corners of the eyes) of the object
O.sub.1, with respect to the sclera areas W.sub.L and W.sub.R of
the object O.sub.1 (FIG. 6(b).fwdarw.FIG. 6(c), and FIG.
6(b).fwdarw.FIG. 6(d)). Note that in FIG. 6(a) to (d), the
pupil-changed image generation unit 153 may generate the expression
guide images having changed lines of sight of the object O.sub.1
obtained such that the pupil images K.sub.1 are combined with upper
and lower end portions or oblique end portions, other than the
right and left end portions of the eyes of the object.
In step S109, the display controller 156 displays, in the display
unit 31, a list of the expression guide image generated by the
pupil-changed image generation unit 153 and the live view image. To
be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the display controller 156
displays, in the display unit 31, a live view image LV.sub.1
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 10
and an expression guide image G1 generated by the pupil-changed
image generation unit 153. Here, if the right and left of the
imaging result is inverted and displayed like a mirror, a familiar
own image can be obtained, which you usually see in the mirror. The
way of moving hands, the way of turning the face, and the like can
be intuitively performed with the inverted image. If giving
priority to how you are looked at by others, the imaging result may
not be inverted. In this case, the display controller 156 reduces
the size of the live view image LV.sub.1 and the expression guide
image G1, and displays the reduced images in the display unit 31.
Further, the display controller 156 displays the expression guide
image G1 in a more enlarged manner than the live view image
LV.sub.1 in the display unit 31. Still further, the display
controller 156 displays information for supporting the expression
guide image G.sub.1, for example, a message I.sub.1 of "please move
the eye lines to the left" in the display unit 31. Accordingly, the
object O.sub.1 can virtually recognize an own expression to be
captured when shifting the line of sight to the display unit 31 or
the imaging unit 10, by confirming the images displayed in the
display unit 31 at the time of the self-photographing shooting. As
a result, even if performing the self-photographing shooting, the
photographer can capture a natural expression.
Further, the display controller 156 displays the list of the
expression guide images G1 in the display unit 31, whereby the user
(photographer) can determine which direction of the eyes is
suitable for the scene of the time at first sight, and can compare
and easily determine which is favorable. Apparently, the expression
guide images G1 may be sequentially displayed instead of being
displayed in the list. In this case, the display controller 156
does not need to divide the screen, and the user can confirm the
images with a wide screen. When the user wishes to have images
displayed in the list so that he/she can make a comparison, and
he/she wishes to see a difference of the expressions in a large
manner, there is a method of cutting only portions of the faces and
arranging the portions. Such an application apparently falls within
the scope covered by the present patent application. Further, it is
favorable if a background can be seen so that a composition can be
confirmed at the same time.
Therefore, the imaging device 1 may perform expression simulation
after confirming a composition. Apparently, a best image of the
direction of the eye lines may sometimes be able to be selected in
view of the background and the expression. In this case, the
display controller 156 may have a specification of displaying a
single recommended image (an advice image) that prompts the user to
capture an image with the recommended image, without displaying a
plurality of images in the display unit 31. The display controller
156 may not only automatically change the direction of the eye
lines, but also move the eye lines (black of the eyes) to look at
the direction when a touch panel is slid, or when a specific switch
is operated. Imaging devices of the past cameras only can confirm
images staring at the display unit 31. Therefore, an expression
that does not stare at the display unit 31 being able to be changed
and confirmed depending on operations of the photographer enables
unprecedented "self-photographing shooting", and exhibits a
remarkable effect in capturing an image. That is, the image staring
at the display unit 31 is converted into an image having another
eye line, which leads to finding of an attractive expression that
has not been noticed before.
After step S109, the expression determination unit 154 starts face
part determination of determining whether a face part of the object
O.sub.1 in the expression guide image G.sub.1 generated by the
pupil-changed image generation unit 153 and a face part of the
object O.sub.1 in the image corresponding to the image data
generated by the imaging unit 10 are matched (step S110).
When the expression determination unit 154 has determined that the
face part of the object O.sub.1 in the expression guide image
G.sub.1 and the face part of the object O.sub.1 in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 10,
for example, the lines of sight of the eyes are matched (Yes in
step S111), the imaging device 1 is moved onto step S113 described
below. In contrast, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the face part of the object O.sub.1 in the
expression guide image G.sub.1 and the face part of the object
O.sub.1 in the image corresponding to the image data generated by
the imaging unit 10 are not matched (No in step S111), the imaging
device 1 is moved onto step S112 described below. At this time, it
is not necessary to determine full matching, and thus similarity
may just be determined. The similarity may be determined such that
relative positions, angles, shapes, or the like of respective parts
are converted into numerical values and the degree of matching is
checked, and if the degree of matching is high.
In step S112, the imaging controller 155 causes the imaging unit 10
to continuously capture the object O.sub.1 (continuous capturing).
At this time, the imaging controller 155 may perform correction of
raising an exposure value of the images corresponding to image data
continuously generated by the imaging unit 10. Further, the imaging
controller 155 may continuously follow movement of the object
O.sub.1 while focusing a pint position of the imaging unit 10 on a
pupil or an eyebrow of the object O.sub.1, and continuously capture
the object O.sub.1. In this case, the imaging controller 155 may
sequentially record the image data continuously generated by the
imaging unit 10 in the recording medium 13 in time series, or may
record the image data in the recording medium 13 while thinning out
predetermined frames. Accordingly, an image captured with a natural
expression that cannot be created by the object O.sub.1 can be
obtained. Further, the imaging controller 155 may change the frame
rate of the imaging unit 10 from 30 fps to high-speed 60 fps. Still
further, the imaging controller 155 may reduce the data size of the
image data generated by the imaging unit 10, and continuously
capture the object. After step S112, the imaging device 1 is
returned to step S111.
In step S113, when there is another expression guide image (Yes in
step S113), the imaging device 1 is returned to step S109. In
contrast, when there is not another expression guide image (No in
step S113), the imaging device 1 is moved onto step S114.
In step S114, when the power supply of the imaging device 1 has
been turned OFF (Yes in step S114), the imaging device 1 terminates
the present processing. In contrast, when the power supply of the
imaging device 1 has not been turned OFF (No in step S114), the
imaging device 1 is returned to step S101.
In step S106, when the pupil detection unit 152 has not detected a
pair of pupils with respect to the face detected by the face
detection unit 151 (No in step S106), the display controller 156
superimposes warning on the live view image and displays the
superimposed image in the display unit 31 (step S115).
Following that, when a release signal that instructs capturing an
image has been input from the input unit 11 (Yes in step S116), the
imaging device 1 executes capturing an image (step S117). After
step S117, the imaging device 1 is moved onto step S114. In
contrast, when the release signal that instructs capturing an image
has not been input from the input unit 11 (No in step S116), the
imaging device 1 is moved onto step S114.
In step S104, when the miracle one shot mode is not set to the
imaging device 1 (No in step S104), the imaging device 1 is moved
onto step S116.
In step S118, when the display unit 31 is displaying the live view
image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit
10, and the release signal that instructs capturing an image has
been input from the input unit 11, the imaging device 1 executes
normal shooting mode processing of capturing the object. After step
S118, the imaging device 1 is moved onto step S114.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a
natural expression unconsciously given by the object can be
captured.
Further, according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the expression of the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 10
and the expression of the object in the expression guide image are
not matched, the imaging controller 155 causes the imaging unit 10
to continuously image the object. Therefore, the photographer can
capture the object having an expression that is more than the
photographer imagined.
Further, according to the first embodiment of the present
invention, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the expression of the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging unit 10
and the expression of the objet in the expression guide image are
matched, the display controller 156 displays another expression
guide image in the display unit 31. Therefore, the photographer can
more continuously capture the object having an expression that is
more than the photographer imagined.
Note that, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a case
in which the imaging device 1 is set to the self-photographing
shooting mode has been described. However, for example, the imaging
device 1 can be applied to a normal shooting mode. In this case,
the photographer can capture the object having an expression that
is not intended by the photographer by giving advice to the object
along a plurality of expression guide images displayed in the
display unit 31.
Further, while, in the first embodiment of the present invention,
the description has been given using a single person, if this
technology is applied to two persons, the imaging device 1 that
prompts shooting of a drama produced with crossing of eye lines of
the two persons can be obtained. Further, a guide device that
prompts the two persons to look at each other, apart from the
imaging device 1, can be provided.
Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the
display controller 156 displays the guide image in which the line
of sight of the object has been changed, in the display unit 31.
However, for example, an avatar, an animation, or the like recorded
in the imaging device 1 in advance may be displayed in the display
unit 31.
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described. An imaging device according to the second embodiment is
different from the imaging device 1 according to the first
embodiment, and processing to be executed is different. To be
specific, while the imaging device 1 according to the first
embodiment changes the positions of the pupils of the object, an
imaging device according to the second embodiment changes positions
of parts that configure a face of an object. Therefore,
hereinafter, a configuration of the imaging device according to the
second embodiment will be described first, and then processing
executed by the imaging device according to the second embodiment
will be described. Note that the same configurations as the imaging
device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted with the
same reference signs, and description is omitted.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of the imaging device according to the second embodiment. An
imaging device 1a illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a main body 2a
that images an object and generates image data of the object, and a
display mechanism 3a rotatably provided to the main body 2a from a
back surface side to a front surface side, and capable of
displaying an image corresponding to the image data generated by
the main body 2a.
First, a configuration of the main body 2a will be described. The
main body 2a includes an input unit 11, a recording unit 12, a
recording medium 13, a revolving determination unit 14, a lens unit
41, an imaging element 42, a posture detection unit 43, a clock 44,
a communication unit 45, and a control unit 46.
The lens unit 41 collects light from a predetermined visual field
area and focuses an object image on an imaging plane of the imaging
element 42 under control of the control unit 46. The lens unit 41
is configured from a zoom lens and a focus lens movable along an
optical axis L.sub.1, a diaphragm, a shutter, and the like.
The imaging element 42 receives the object image focused by the
lens unit 41 and performs photoelectric conversion to generate
image data under control of the control unit 46. The imaging
element 42 is configured from a CCD or a CMOS, a signal processing
unit, an A/D converter, and the like. The imaging element 42 images
the object at a predetermined frame rate under control of the
control unit 46. Note that, in the second embodiment, the lens unit
41 and the imaging element 42 function as an imaging unit.
The posture detection unit 43 is configured from an acceleration
sensor and a gyro sensor, and detects acceleration and an angular
speed caused in the imaging device 1a, and outputs detection
results to the control unit 46.
The clock 44 has a timing function and a determination function of
capturing date and time. The clock 44 outputs date and time data to
the control unit 46 to add the date and time data to the image data
imaged by the imaging element 42.
The communication unit 45 performs wireless communication with an
external device and transmits/receives an image file including the
image data according to predetermined wireless communication
standards. Here, the predetermined wireless communication standards
are IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11n, and the like. Note that, in the
second embodiment, any wireless communication standard is
applicable. Further, the communication unit 45 is configured from a
communication device for bidirectionally performing communication
of various types of information such as the image file and content
data with an external device through a network. The communication
device is configured from an antenna that transmits/receives radio
wave signals to/from the external device, a transmission/reception
circuit that performs demodulation processing of a signal received
by the antenna and performs modulation processing of a signal to be
transmitted, and the like. Further, the communication unit 45
periodically transmits a communication signal including
identification information (a device ID) that notifies its
existence at the time of startup of the imaging device 1a. Note
that the communication unit 45 may be provided in a recording
medium such as a memory card mounted from an outside of the imaging
device 1a. Further, the communication unit 45 may be provided in an
accessory attached to the imaging device 1a through a hot shoe.
The control unit 46 transfers instructions and data corresponding
to respective units that configure the imaging device 1a to
comprehensively control an operation of the imaging device 1a. The
control unit 46 is configured from a CPU, and the like.
Here, a detailed configuration of the control unit 46 will be
described. The control unit 46 includes a face detection unit 151,
a pupil detection unit 152, a pupil-changed image generation unit
153, an expression determination unit 154, an imaging controller
155, a display controller 156, and a part position-changed image
generation unit 461.
The part position-changed image generation unit 461 generates
part-changed image data of an object in which parts that configure
a face detected by the face detection unit 151 have been moved into
an arranging direction of a pupil area in a sclera area changed by
the pupil-changed image generation unit 153.
Next, a configuration of the display mechanism 3a will be
described. The display mechanism 3a includes a display unit 31, a
movable unit 32, a revolving support unit 33, and a touch panel
34.
The touch panel 34 is provided by being superimposed on a display
screen of the display unit 31. The touch panel 34 detects touching
of a substance from an outside, and outputs a position signal
according to a detected touched position to the control unit 46.
Further, the touch panel 34 detects a position touched by a user
based on information displayed in the display unit 31, for example,
an icon image or a thumbnail image, and receives an input of an
instruction signal that instructs an operation to be performed by
the imaging device 1a according to the detected touched position.
Typically, as the touch panel 34, there are a resistive film-type
touch panel, an electrostatic capacity type touch panel, an optical
type touch panel, and the like. In the second embodiment, any type
touch panel is applicable. Further, the display unit 31, the
movable unit 32, and the touch panel 34 may be integrally
formed.
Processing executed by the imaging device 1a having the above
configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating
an outline of the processing executed by the imaging device 1a.
Steps S201 to S208 respectively correspond to steps S101 to S108 of
FIG. 4 described above.
In step S209, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
executes face part changed-image generation processing of
generating a plurality of expression guide images in which parts
(characteristic points) of the face of the object have been changed
(step S209).
FIG. 10 is a series of diagrams schematically describing an outline
of a method of generating the expression guide image generated by
the part position-changed image generation unit 461. As illustrated
in FIG. 10(a) to (d), the part position-changed image generation
unit 461 changes positions of parts of a face (FIG. 10(d)) with
respect to an image of an object O.sub.1 in which positions of
pupils have been changed by the pupil-changed image generation unit
153 (FIG. 10(a).fwdarw.FIG. 10(b).fwdarw.FIG. 10(c)), based on a
direction into which the pupils are directed. To be specific, as
illustrated in FIG. 10(d), when the pupils of the object O.sub.1
are directed to the left (see FIG. 10(c)), the part
position-changed image generation unit 461 generates a similar
expression guide image O.sub.21 in which positions of a mouth and a
chin that are the parts of the face have been moved in the left
direction (FIG. 10(d)).
Here, the face part changed-image generation processing of step
S209 of FIG. 9 will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart
illustrating an outline of the face part changed-image generation
processing. FIG. 12 is a series of diagrams describing a method of
generating the expression guide image generated by the part
position-changed image generation unit 461.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, first, the part position-changed image
generation unit 461 sets a face area A based on arranged positions
of the pupils of the object changed by the pupil-changed image
generation unit 153 (step S301).
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
sets a face area B including a nose of the object based on the face
area A (step S302), and sets a face area C based on the face areas
A and B (step S303). To be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 12(a),
the part position-changed image generation unit 461 sets the face
areas A, B, and C to the area of the face of the object.
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
reduces a face image in the face area A and a face image in the
face area C into a direction of the arranged positions of the
pupils of the object changed by the pupil-changed image generation
unit 153 (step S304). To be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 12(b),
the part position-changed image generation unit 461 reduces a face
image F.sub.1 in the face area A and a face image F.sub.3 in the
face area C into a direction of arranged positions of pupil images
K.sub.1 of the object changed by the pupil-changed image generation
unit 153, for example, the left direction.
Following that the part position-changed image generation unit 461
moves and combines the face image F.sub.1, a face image F.sub.2,
and the face image F.sub.3 into the direction of the arranged
positions of the pupil images K.sub.1 of the object changed by the
pupil-changed image generation unit 153 (step S305). To be
specific, as illustrated in FIG. 12(c), the part position-changed
image generation unit 461 moves and combines the face images
F.sub.1, F.sub.2, and F.sub.3 into the direction (left side) of the
arranged positions of the pupil images K.sub.1 of the object
changed by the pupil-changed image generation unit 153 (FIG.
12(b).fwdarw.FIG. 12(c)).
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
moves the parts of the face of the object into the direction of the
arranged position of the pupil image of the object changed by the
pupil-changed image generation unit 153 (step S306).
FIG. 13 is a series of diagrams schematically describing an outline
of a method of moving the parts of the face of the object by the
part position-changed image generation unit 461.
As illustrated in FIG. 13(a), when a neck is turned by a
predetermined angle .theta..sub.1 from a state where the object
O.sub.1 faces the front where a head portion of the object O.sub.1
is a sphere having a radius R (for example, R=10 cm), a position of
a nose M.sub.1 can be expressed by Rtan .theta..sub.1. Further, a
length of each part of the face in the lateral direction can also
be expressed based on the angle .theta..sub.1. To be specific, the
length of each part can be expressed by Hcos .theta..sub.1 where
widths of eye areas A.sub.L and A.sub.R of the object O.sub.1 are
H. Therefore, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
multiplies each principal part of the face by cos .theta..sub.1,
and then moves the principal part from a center P.sub.1 of the
object O.sub.1 by Rtan .theta..sub.1, thereby to generate an image
in which the object O.sub.1 faces sideways.
By the way, as illustrated in FIG. 14(a), the area of the nose
M.sub.1 of the object has a large stereoscopic effect, and an area
m.sub.1 of a ridgeline (shading) of the nose M.sub.1 in an inclined
direction becomes difficult to be seen, and thus it is necessary to
make an area m.sub.3 of a side surface at an opposite side to the
inclined direction be displayed in a large manner, rather than to
multiply the part by cos .theta..sub.1 times. Therefore, as
illustrated in FIG. 14(b), the part position-changed image
generation unit 461 divides a portion of the nose M.sub.1 at a top
P.sub.2 of a protrusion, and reduces the size of only the area
m.sub.1 that is an inclined area. Accordingly, the part
position-changed image generation unit 461 can generate a natural
expression guide image in which the object looks sideways. Here, an
example has been described. However, a method of calling a database
of images classified into face directions with part position
information, and attaching an actually captured image to a called
image can also be considered.
In step S307, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
executes interpolation processing of interpolating pixels in a
blank area based on information of surrounding pixels. To be
specific, as illustrated in FIG. 12(d), the part position-changed
image generation unit 461 performs the interpolation processing of
interpolating other pixels in a blank area D (FIG. 12(c)). Note
that, in FIG. 12, a state in which the object O.sub.1 does not wear
an accessory such as a pair of glasses has been described. However,
even if the object O.sub.1 wears an accessory, the present
invention can be applied. In this case, the part position-changed
image generation unit 461 similarly generates an accessory image of
when the object O.sub.1 looks sideways by multiplying the
accessory, for example, a pair of glasses by cos .theta..sub.1
times, and then moving the accessory from the center P.sub.1 of the
object O.sub.1 by Rtan .theta..sub.1, and superimposes the
accessory image on the expression guide image. At this time, when
pixels are not sufficient in the area of the accessory, the part
position-changed image generation unit 461 may just interpolate the
pixels of a color of a largest ratio in another area or in the area
of the accessory.
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
vertically shifts the pupils, and reduces the size of the face, and
generates vertically-shifted expression guide images (step S308).
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12(e), the part
position-changed image generation unit 461 shifts the pupil image
upward in a sclera area W.sub.L, and generates an expression guide
image in which the face is reduced in the arranging direction of
the pupil image by a distance E. Similarly, the part
position-changed image generation unit 461 shifts the pupil image
downward in the sclera area W.sub.L, and generates an expression
guide image in which the face is reduced in the arranging direction
of the pupil image.
Following that, when the generation of the expression guide images
of respective patterns by the part position-changed image
generation unit 461 has been completed (Yes in step S309), the
imaging device 1a is returned to the main routine of FIG. 9. In
contrast, when the generation of the expression guide images of
respective patterns by the part position-changed image generation
unit 461 has not been completed (No in step S309), the imaging
device 1a is returned to step S301.
Referring back to FIG. 9, description of step S210 and subsequent
steps will be described. In step S210, the display controller 156
displays, in the display unit 31, a list of a plurality of
expression guide images generated by the part position-changed
image generation unit 461, in which the positions and the parts of
the face of the object have been changed. To be specific, as
illustrated in FIG. 15, the display controller 156 displays, in the
display unit 31, a list of a plurality of expression guide images
G.sub.11 to G.sub.18 having changed positions of the face of the
object generated by the part position-changed image generation unit
461 and the live view image LV.sub.1. Accordingly, the object
O.sub.1 (photographer) can virtually recognize an own expression
beyond expectation by confirming the images displayed in the
display unit 31 at the time of the self-photographing shooting.
Further, the plurality of expression guide images G.sub.11 to
G.sub.18 is displayed in the list in the display unit 31, whereby
the object O.sub.1 can confirm how many poses of capturing an image
exist in advance, and thus the object O.sub.1 can be ready for the
capturing an image.
Steps S211 to S214 and S216 to S220 respectively correspond to
steps S110 to S118 of FIG. 4 described above, and step S215
corresponds to step S109 of FIG. 4 described above.
According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the
object having a natural posture or expression can be unconsciously
captured.
Further, according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the expression of the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging element 42
and the expression of the object in the expression guide image are
not matched, the imaging controller 155 causes the imaging element
42 to continuously image the object, and thus the photographer can
capture the object having an expression more than he/she
imagined.
Further, according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the expression of the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging element 42
and the expression of the object in the expression guide image are
matched, the display controller 156 displays another expression
guide image in the display unit 31. Therefore, the photographer can
more continuously capture the object having an expression more than
he/she imagined.
Note that, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the
display controller 156 displays the list of the plurality of
expression guide images in the display unit 31. However, for
example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the display unit 31 may
sequentially display the plurality of expression guide images in
the display unit 31 (FIG. 16(a).fwdarw.FIG. 16(b).fwdarw.FIG.
16(c).fwdarw.FIG. 16(d).fwdarw.FIG. 16 (e).fwdarw.FIG. 16
(f).fwdarw.FIG. 16 (g).fwdarw.FIG. 16 (h)). Accordingly, the
photographer can change the posture at the time of capturing an
image while confirming the expression guide images G.sub.11 to
G.sub.18 displayed in the display unit 31.
Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be
described. An imaging device according to the third embodiment has
a configuration different from the imaging device 1a according to
the second embodiment, and processing to be executed is different.
To be specific, while the imaging device 1a according to the second
embodiment performs continuous capturing according to the
expression guide image generated by the part position-changed image
generation unit 461, an imaging device according to the third
embodiment performs continuous capturing according to an expression
guide image recorded in advance obtained such that a model of a
predetermined posture and/or expression is captured as an object,
and representatively records or displays an image that matches a
characteristic of the expression guide image, from among a
plurality of images. Therefore, hereinafter, a configuration of the
imaging device according to the third embodiment will be described
first, and then processing executed by the imaging device according
to the third embodiment will be described. Note that the same
configurations as the imaging device 1a of the second embodiment
are denoted with the same reference signs, and description is
omitted.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of an imaging device according to the third embodiment. An imaging
device 1b illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a main body 2b that
images an object and generates image data of the object, and a
display mechanism 3a.
The main body 2b includes an input unit 11, a recording medium 13,
a revolving determination unit 14, a lens unit 41, an imaging
element 42, a posture detection unit 43, a clock 44, a
communication unit 45, a control unit 46, and a recording unit
12b.
The recording unit 12b records image data input through the control
unit 46, information in processing by the imaging device 1b,
various programs for operating the imaging device 1b, a program
according to the third embodiment, and various data used during
execution of the program. The recording unit 12b is configured from
an SDRAM, a flash memory, and the like. Further, the recording unit
12b includes a model information recording unit 121.
The model information recording unit 121 records sample image data
obtained such that a model of a predetermined posture and/or
expression is captured in advance as a sample.
Processing executed by the imaging device 1b having the above
configuration will be described. FIG. 18 is a flowchart
illustrating an outline of the processing executed by the imaging
device 1b.
In FIG. 18, steps S401 to S405 respectively correspond to steps
S101 to S105 of FIG. 4 described above.
In step S406, a part position-changed image generation unit 461
detects a mouth in a face of an object detected by a face detection
unit 151.
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 461
generates an expression guide image in which the mouth of the
object has been changed into a predetermined shape (step S407). To
be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the part position-changed
image generation unit 461 generates, regarding a mouth A.sub.m of
an object O.sub.1, expression guide images of a mouth A.sub.m1 and
a mouth A.sub.m2 having predetermined shapes, such as shapes of
vowel sounds (for example, FIG. 19(a).fwdarw.FIG. 19(b) or FIG.
19(C)).
In the case of FIG. 19, the part position-changed image generation
unit 461 generates expression guide images having the mouth
A.sub.m1 and the mouth A.sub.m2 respectively having shapes of "a"
and "i" changed from the mouth A.sub.m of the object O.sub.1 (see
FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 19(b)). Here, a vowel is one of language sounds
classified into two groups, and is a sound generated such that an
expiration with voice caused by vibration of vocal cords is
generated without being interrupted by closing or narrowing of the
lip, teeth, or tongue. In the common language of Japanese, there
are five vowels of "a", "i", "u", "e", and "o". Note that, in FIG.
19, the part position-changed image generation unit 461 generates
the expression guide images having the shapes of the mouth
generating two vowels. However, expression guide images having
shapes of the mouth generating other vowels may be generated.
Further, the part position-changed image generation unit 461 may
generate expression guide images having shapes of the mouth
generating vowels other than Japanese.
Here, the reason why sticking to vowels is that pronunciation can
be made without using movement of tongue that may not be
responsible for a natural expression, and there is a merit of
obtaining drastic change by uttering of the voice. The display
controller 156 may prompt the user to utter a voice because there
is a high possibility that other parts than the mouth of the face
are moved.
Further, the expression determination unit 154 may determine
whether the face becomes the face with the vowel by determining the
voice, or may supplementarily use the voice. Of course, it may be
embarrassing to utter a voice, and thus the expression
determination unit 154 may change only the shape of the mouth
without using the uttered voice. It can be considered that a result
of pursuing diversity of human communication is the shapes of the
mouth of the vowels. By changing of the shape of the mouth with
various patterns of the vowels, a large number of shapes that can
be naturally taken by the mouth can be covered.
Further, since only the mouth of a vowel cannot provoke variation
of other parts, it is apparently favorable that the guide display
prompts variation of face parts that can be easily changed in
accordance with the mouth. For example, in the case of the voice of
"a", the mouth gets tense up and the eyebrow also rises. However,
in the case of the voice "i", the eyebrow falls at the moment when
the tense is released.
Further, it can be considered that relaxation exists between a
tense and a tense during change from a vowel to a vowel, and there
is a case where a natural expression can be gained at the
relaxation. Therefore, if the change of the vowels is performed in
different orders, diversity of expressions can be further
pursued.
Further, an expression that can be made by anyone can be selected
by using a vowel. Determination of the degree of matching by the
expression determination unit 154 can be easily performed with the
expression that can be made by anyone, and expression guide change
after the matching can be smoothly performed and a series of
sequence such as determination, switching, and decision can be
promptly, smoothly, and naturally performed.
Following that, the display controller 156 displays, in a display
unit 31, the expression guide image generated by the part
position-changed image generation unit 461 (step S408). To be
specific, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the display controller 156
displays, in the display unit 31, an expression guide image
G.sub.21, and then an expression guide image G.sub.22 (FIG.
20(a).fwdarw.FIG. 20(b)). Further, the display controller 156
displays a message I.sub.2 related to capturing advice at the time
of capturing an image in the display unit 31. Note that, in FIG.
20, the display controller 156 displays only two expression guide
images. However, the display controller 156 may sequentially
display, in the display unit 31, a plurality of expression guide
images obtained such that the mouth of the object O.sub.1 has been
gradually changed.
Following that, the expression determination unit 154 starts face
part determination of determining whether shapes of a mouth portion
in a face of the object O.sub.1 of the expression guide image
G.sub.22, and of the mouth in the face of the object O.sub.1 in the
image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging
element 42 are matched (step S409).
When the expression determination unit 154 has determined that the
shapes of the mouth in the face of the object O.sub.1 of the
expression guide image G.sub.22 and of the mouth in the face of the
object O.sub.1 in the image corresponding to the image data
generated by the imaging element 42 are matched (Yes in step S410),
the imaging device 1b is moved onto step S413 described below. In
contrast, when the expression determination unit 154 has determined
that the shapes of the mouth in the face of the object O.sub.1 of
the expression guide image G.sub.22 and of the mouth in the face of
the object O.sub.1 in the image corresponding to the image data
generated by the imaging element 42 are not matched (No in step
S410), the imaging device 1b is moved onto step S411 described
below.
In step S411, the imaging controller 155 causes the imaging element
42 to continuously capture the object. At this time, the imaging
controller 155 may change a capturing frame rate of the imaging
element 42.
Following that, the expression determination unit 154 executes
criteria determination processing of determining whether criteria
of model information recorded in the model information recording
unit 121 of the recording unit 12b are satisfied (step S412). Note
that details of the criteria determination processing will be
described below. After step S412, the imaging device 1b is returned
to step S410.
In step S413, when there is another expression guide image (Yes in
step S413), the display controller 156 displays the another
expression guide image in the display unit 31 (step S414). After
step S414, the imaging device 1b is returned to step S410.
In step S413, when there is no another expression guide image (No
in step S413), the imaging device 1b is moved onto step S415.
Steps S415, and S416 to S418 respectively correspond to steps S114,
and S116 to S118 of FIG. 4 described above.
Next, the criteria determination processing of step S412 of FIG. 18
will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an outline
of the criteria determination processing.
As illustrated in FIG. 21, the control unit 46 acquires a popular
bromide image as a sample image in which a model as a sample of
display and/or posture is imaged in advance, from the model
information recording unit 121 of the recording unit 12b (step
S501).
Following that, the expression determination unit 154 determines a
width of the mouth based on a distance between the eyes in the face
of the object in the image corresponding to the image data
generated by the imaging element 42 (step S502), and determines a
difference between a center of the mouth and a height of a corner
of the mouth based on the width of the mouth, and determines that
the same width and difference exist in the bromide image (step
S503).
Following that, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that there is no closing of the eyes of the object in
the image corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging
element 42 (NO in step S504), and that there are no wrinkles (No in
step S505), and when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the same width of the mouth and the same difference
between the center of the mouth and the height of the corner of the
mouth exist in the bromide image (Yes in step S506), the imaging
controller 155 records the image data in the recording medium 13
(step S507). After step S507, the imaging device 1b is returned to
the main routine of FIG. 18.
FIG. 22 is a series of diagrams schematically illustrating an
outline of a method of determining the mouth of the object
determined by the expression determination unit 154. FIG. 23 is a
diagram illustrating an example of the bromide image as the
expression guide image.
As illustrated in FIG. 22(a) to (c), the expression determination
unit 154 determines a width m.sub.x of the mouth based on the
distance of the eyes in the object in the image corresponding to
the image data continuously generated by the imaging element 42,
and determines a difference m.sub.y between the center of the mouth
and the height of the corner of the mouth based on the width
m.sub.x of the mouth (see FIG. 22(b)). Following that, the
expression determination unit 154 determines, as illustrated in
FIG. 23, whether object O.sub.1 has the same width m.sub.x of the
mouth and the same difference m.sub.y between the center of the
mouth and the height of the corner of the mouth as the bromide
image Q.sub.1.
In step S504, the expression determination unit 154 has determined
that there is closing of the eyes in the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging element 42
(YES in step S504), the imaging device 1b is returned to the main
routine of FIG. 18.
In step S505, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that there are wrinkles in the object in the image
corresponding to the image data generated by the imaging element 42
(YES in step S505), the imaging device 1b is returned to the main
routine of FIG. 18.
In step S506, when the expression determination unit 154 has
determined that the object in the image corresponding to the image
data generated by the imaging element 42 does not have the same
width of the mouth and the same difference between the center of
the mouth and the height of the corner of the mouth as the bromide
image (No in step S506), the imaging device 1b is returned to the
main routine of FIG. 18.
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, when
the expression determination unit 154 has determined that the
expression of the object in the image corresponding to the image
data generated by the imaging element 42, and the expression of the
object in the expression guide image in which a model of a
predetermined posture and/or expression is imaged in advance, and
recorded in the model information recording unit 121 are matched,
the imaging controller 155 records the image data generated by the
imaging element 42 in the recording medium 13. Therefore, the
object having an expression or a posture beyond expectation can be
captured.
Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. An imaging device according to the fourth embodiment has
a configuration different from the imaging device 1b according to
the third embodiment, and processing to be executed is different.
To be specific, in the imaging device 1b according to the third
embodiment, the imaging device 1b generates the expression guide
image having a changed expression of an object. However, the
imaging device according to the fourth embodiment receives
expression guide image data generated by an external device
(server) through a network, and displays the received data. Such
processing on a so-called cloud enables image processing beyond
processing capacities of mobile devices, and thus is suitable for
being applied to complicated processing. However, when similar
processing can be completed within the device, it is of course not
necessary to use the network. Further, various applications and
modifications can be made regarding which part the device is in
charge and which part the cloud is in change. Therefore,
hereinafter, a configuration of a display system according to the
fourth embodiment will be described first, and then processing
executed by the display system according to the fourth embodiment
will be described. Note that the same configurations as the imaging
device 1b according to the third embodiment are denoted with the
same reference signs, and description is omitted.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of a display system according to the fourth embodiment. A display
system 100 illustrated in FIG. 24 includes an imaging device 1b and
an image generation device 5 as an external device that receives
image data from an outside through a network 200 and generates an
image corresponding to the received image data.
The image generation device 5 includes a communication unit 51 that
bidirectionally performs communication with an outside through the
network 200, a recording unit 52 that records the image data
generated by the image generation device 5 and various programs,
and an image generation controller 53 that transfers instructions
and data corresponding to respective units that configure the image
generation device 5 to comprehensively control an operation of the
image generation device 5.
The communication unit 51 performs communication with an external
device according to predetermined communication standards to
receive/transmit an image file including the image data.
The recording unit 52 records the image data input through the
image generation controller 53, information in processing by the
image generation device 5, various programs for operating the image
generation device 5, a program according to the fourth embodiment,
and various data used during execution of the program.
The image generation controller 53 includes a face detection unit
531, a pupil detection unit 532, a pupil-changed image generation
unit 533, a part position-changed image generation unit 534, and an
output controller 535.
The face detection unit 531 detects a face of an object in an image
corresponding to the image data received through the network 200
and the communication unit 51. To be specific, the face detection
unit 531 detects a face of a person included in the image
corresponding to the image data by pattern matching. For example,
the face detection unit 531 detects a position of the face in the
image using the pattern matching, and then detects positions of
characteristic points of the face, such as eyes, a nose, and a
mouth, thereby to detect a position of the face, a size (an area)
of the face, a direction of the face, an angle (an inclination) of
the face, and an expression of the face (for example, a smiling
face). Note that the face detection unit 531 may detect not only a
face of a person, but also a face of an animal, such as a dog or a
cat. Further, the face detection unit 531 may detect a face of a
person using a known technology other than the pattern
matching.
The pupil detection unit 532 detects pupils of the face of the
object detected by the face detection unit 531. To be specific, the
pupil detection unit 532 applies predetermined processing, for
example, grayscale processing to the eye (an eye area) of the face
of the object detected by the face detection unit 531, and then
performing binarization processing, thereby to detect the pupil (a
pupil area).
The pupil-changed image generation unit 533 changes positions of
the pupils in the eye area of the object based on a detection
result detected by the pupil detection unit 532. To be specific,
the pupil-changed image generation unit 533 applies trimming
processing to the pupil area detected by the pupil detection unit
532 to generate a pupil image, and superimposes the pupil image on
an area of white of the eye in the eye area and performs
interpolation processing of interpolating pixels of white or of a
surrounding area of white of the eye in the pupil area subjected to
the trimming processing to generate image data. For example, the
pupil-changed image generation unit 533 generates two image data in
which the objects having the pupils moved to the right and left,
respectively, appear, when the positions of the pupils of the
object detected by the pupil detection unit 532 are in the front
(in the center).
The part position-changed image generation unit 534 generates part
changed-image data of the object, in which parts that configure the
face detected by the face detection unit 531 are moved in arranging
directions of the pupil areas in a sclera area changed by the
pupil-changed image generation unit 533.
The output controller 535 transmits the pupil-changed image data
generated by the pupil-changed image generation unit 533 or the
part-changed image data generated by the part position-changed
image generation unit 534 to the imaging device 1b through the
communication unit 51 and the network 200, as models of composition
of capturing advice at the time of capturing an image of the
imaging device 1b. Note that, in the fourth embodiment, the output
controller 535 functions as an output unit.
Processing of each of the imaging device 1b and the image
generation device 5 of the display system 100 having the above
configuration will be described. Processing executed by the imaging
device 1b will be described first, and processing executed by the
image generation device 5 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart
illustrating an outline of the processing executed by the imaging
device 1b.
In FIG. 25, steps S601 to S603 respectively correspond to steps
S101 to S103 of FIG. 4 described above.
In step S604, when the imaging device 1b is set to a miracle one
shot mode (Yes in step S604), the imaging device 1b is moved onto
step S605 described below. In contrast, when the imaging device 1b
is not set to the miracle one shot mode (No in step S604), the
imaging device 1b is moved onto step S616 described below.
In step S605, when the imaging device 1b can communicate with the
external image generation device 5 through a communication unit 45
and the network 200 (Yes in step S605), when the imaging device 1b
has already transmitted the image file including the image data to
the image generation device 5 (Yes in step S606), the imaging
device 1b is moved onto step S608 described below.
In step S605, when the imaging device 1b can communicate with the
external image generation device 5 through the communication unit
45 and the network 200 (Yes in step S605), when the imaging device
1b has not yet transmitted the image file including the image data
to the image generation device 5 (No in step S606), a control unit
46 transmits the image file including the image data generated by
an imaging element 42 to the image generation device 5 through the
communication unit 45 and the network 200 (step S607). For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 26, an object O.sub.1 selects a desired
image of when requesting the image generation device 5 to perform
simulation, from among a plurality of images displayed in a display
unit 31, and operates the input unit 11 or a touch panel 34 to
transmit an image file including image data to the image generation
device 5. In the image file, instruction information for
instructing contents of simulation, identification information for
identifying the imaging device 1b, a focal distance of the imaging
device 1b, and a virtual distance assuming a distance from the
imaging device 1b to the object at a self-photographing shooting
mode are stored, in addition to the image data.
Following that, when having received the models of composition of
the image data, in which compositions of the face of the object
have been changed, from the image generation device 5 through the
communication unit 45 and the network 200 (Yes in step S608), the
display controller 156 displays a list of images corresponding to
image data of the models of composition in the display unit 31
(step S609). To be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the display
controller 156 displays, in the display unit 31, a plurality of
expression guide images G.sub.31 to G.sub.39 corresponding to the
image data of the models of composition received from the image
generation device 5, as capturing advice. Accordingly, the
photographer can virtually recognize an own display or angle beyond
expectation, by confirming the images of the plurality of
compositions (angles) displayed in the display unit 31 at the time
of self-photographing shooting.
In step S608, when having not received the models of composition of
the image data, in which compositions of the object have been
changed, from the image generation device 5 through the
communication unit 45 and the network 200 (No in step S608), the
imaging device 1b is returned to step S601.
In step S605, when the imaging device 1b cannot communicate with
the external image generation device 5 through the communication
unit 45 and the network 200 (No in step S605), the imaging device
1b is moved onto step S615.
Steps S610 to S618 respectively correspond to steps S110 to S118 of
FIG. 4 described above.
Next, processing executed by the image generation device 5 will be
described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of
processing executed by the image generation device 5.
As illustrated in FIG. 28, when having received an image file from
the imaging device 1b or an external device such as a mobile phone
or a mobile terminal through the network 200 and the communication
unit 51 (Yes in step S701), the image generation device 5 is moved
onto step S702 described below. In contrast, when having not
received the image file from the imaging device 1b or the external
device such as a mobile phone or a mobile terminal through the
network 200 and the communication unit 51 (No in step S701), the
image generation device 5 continues this determination until
receiving the image file.
In step S702, when instruction information stored in the received
image file, and for instructing simulation is a miracle one shot
mode (Yes in step S702), the image generation device 5 is moved
onto step S703 described below. In contrast, when the instruction
information stored in the received image file and for instructing
simulation is the miracle one shot mode (No in step S702), the
image generation device 5 is moved onto step S706 described
below.
In step S703, the image generation device 5 executes the
above-described face part changed-image generation processing of
FIG. 11.
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 534
executes composition changing processing of changing a composition
of the object with respect to each of a plurality of expression
guide images corresponding to each of a plurality of image data
generated by the face part changed-image generation processing
(step S704).
FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating a relationship
between the imaging device 1b and the object O.sub.1 (photographer)
at the self-photographing shooting mode. FIG. 30 is a diagram
schematically illustrating a relationship between an angle of view
.theta..sub.2 of the imaging device 1b and the object O.sub.1 in a
state of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of
an image corresponding to image data generated by the imaging
device 1b in the state of FIG. 29.
As illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 31, the part position-changed image
generation unit 534 calculates a face area of the object O.sub.1 in
the image corresponding to the image data based on the
identification information of the imaging device 1b stored in the
image file, a focal distance of when the image data is captured,
and an assumed distance d.sub.1. To be specific, the part
position-changed image generation unit 534 converts the length in
the lateral direction in the display area of the display unit 31
into X.sub.p by the following formula (1):
X.sub.p=d.sub.1.times.tan(.theta..sub.2/2).times.2 (1) where the
assumed distance is d.sub.1 and the angle of view of the imaging
device 1b is .theta..sub.2.
Following that, the part position-changed image generation unit 534
generates an expression guide image in which the object O.sub.1 is
changed in a capturable composition when the object O.sub.1
stretches/shrinks his/her hands, as a model of composition of
capturing advice, based on a ratio of the length X.sub.p in the
lateral direction in the display area of the display unit 31 and a
length H.sub.1 in the lateral direction (for example, 20 cm) of the
face of the object O.sub.1 detected by the face detection unit 531.
To be specific, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the part
position-changed image generation unit 534 trims the object O.sub.1
in the image, and generates, with respect to the trimmed object
image, an expression guide image in which parts of the object
O.sub.1, such as the face, the arm, and the body, of when a
distance from the imaging device 1a to the object O.sub.1 is
d.sub.2, are reduced in size so that the ratio of the length
X.sub.p and the length H.sub.1 becomes small, and changed into a
capturable composition when the object O.sub.1 stretches his/her
hand, as a model of composition of the shooting expression guide
image. Note that, in FIGS. 29 to 31, the description has been made
using changing of the composition of the object O.sub.1 as an
example. However, the part position-changed image generation unit
534 may divide parts that configure the object O.sub.1, and
combines the divided parts to change a pose of the object O.sub.1,
and the like.
Following that the output controller 535 transmits image data of a
model of composition to the imaging device 1b through the
communication unit 51 and the network 200 (step S705). After step
S705, the image generation device 5 is returned to step S701.
In step S706, when the instruction information of simulation stored
in the received image file is a face display simulation mode (Yes
in step S706), the image generation device 5 executes the
above-described face part changed-image generation processing of
FIG. 11 (step S707). After step S707, the image generation device 5
is moved onto step S705.
In step S706, when the instruction information of simulation stored
in the received image file is not the face display simulation mode
(No in step S706), the image generation device 5 is returned to
step S701.
According to the above-described fourth embodiment of the present
invention, the image generation device 5 generates an expression
guide image, whereby a load applied to the imaging device 1b can be
decreased.
Note that, while, in the fourth embodiment of the present
invention, the image generation device 5 performs the composition
changing processing of changing the composition of the object, the
part position-changed image generation unit 461 of the imaging
device 1b may perform similar composition changing processing.
Other Embodiments
Further, an imaging device according to the present invention can
be applied to an electronic device, such as a digital camera, a
digital video camera, a mobile phone having an imaging function, or
a tablet-type mobile device, other than a digital single-lens
reflex camera.
Further, an imaging device according to the present invention can
be applied to an electronic device, such as a digital single-lens
reflex camera, a digital video camera, a mobile phone having an
imaging function, or a tablet-type mobile devices, to/from which
lenses are attachable/detachable, other than a lens-integrated
digital camera. Especially, since unnoticed charm and the like can
be found out, the imaging device may be used as a mirror. That is,
the imaging device according to the present invention can be used
as a beauty instrument, a confirmation imaging device, a
rehabilitation medical device as guidance use. Here, the
description has been given using a single person. However, if this
technology is applied to two persons, a camera that prompts
shooting of a drama produced with directions of lines of sight or
of faces of the two persons, postures of the two persons, and the
like, can be obtained. Further, a guide device that prompts the two
persons to look at each other or have expressions to have favorable
communication, apart from the imaging device, can be provided.
Further, while the imaging device according to the present
invention has the main body and the display unit integrally formed,
the main body and the display unit may be separately configured. In
this case, for example, the main body and the display unit may just
be able to transmit image data and instruction data each other.
Further, the program executed by the imaging device of the present
invention is recorded and provided as file data in an installable
or executable format in a computer-readable recording medium, such
as a CD-ROM, a flexible disc (FD), a CD-R, a digital versatile disk
(DVD), a USB medium, or a flash memory.
Further, the program executed by the imaging device according to
the present invention may be provided by being stored in a computer
connected to a network, such as the Internet, and being downloaded
through the network. Further, the program executed by the imaging
device according to the present invention may be provided or
distributed through the network, such as the Internet.
Note that, in the description of the flowcharts in the present
specification, the sequence of the processing among the steps has
been specified using the wording of "first", "then", "following
that", and the like. However, the order of the processing necessary
for implementing the present invention is not uniquely determined
by such wording. That is, the order of the processing in the
flowcharts described in the present specification can be changed
without inconsistency.
As described above, the present invention may include various
embodiments that are not described here, and various design
changes, and the like may be made within the scope of the technical
idea specified by claims.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects
is not limited to the specific details and representative
embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
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